The hatred and personal attacks are childish, and frankly, embarrassing, and..

Vek96

All-Conference
Jul 4, 2025
2,374
4,932
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
 
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HogCoyote

All-Conference
Jan 20, 2013
1,038
1,359
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari acknowledged 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florid, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Its not even the losses that tell me Pope is in over his head. Its the nonsensical media appearances. The constant whining, the fact he went into a deep depressive state so fast, the fact he never learned from his own mistakes this season and kept repeating them all while standing on the sidelines squinting, rubbing his head like a deer in headlights, that tells me that while he may be a nice guy, he's just not cut out to figure this thing out.
 

BigBlue_83

Senior
Dec 4, 2025
180
401
63
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari acknowledged 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florid, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
I get what you are saying but UK is on pace for 46 losses in a four year span with Pope. I think Pope is getting at least one more year to prove he deserves to be here.
 
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USARMYWILDCAT

All-Conference
Jan 11, 2016
546
1,153
93
Good post OP, it’s OK to be frustrated. He!! I think we were all frustrated this year. It’s OK to not be 100% sold in on Pope. I for one am not there yet and have made some of my frustrations clear. I am a Kentucky basketball fan and I want them to succeed. On that point, I need Mark Pope to succeed for that to happen. So I’m going to shut my mouth and give him my support. Some people don’t have that ability. If he doesn’t work out, we move on to the next Coach.
 

BigBlueGuru

All-Conference
Feb 10, 2007
1,810
2,981
103
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Very well stated. Some of the constant negativity on this board is just embarrassing. I do not think Mark will make it but I don't come to this board everyday trying to find new ways to tear him or the players down. That is just childish. Pope will be given at least another year and there is nothing I or anyone else can do to change that so the only thing I can do is hope he proves me wrong and support him. The constant negative posts achieve nothing. If you are upset and think we need a change that is fine to post but after posting your take you don't have to constantly be on here finding other ways to make everyone miserable by degrading the program, coach, players and other fans. Just childish behavior.
 

Eagles_Ball_69

All-American
Dec 19, 2003
3,740
5,050
82
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Garrison quit?
 
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Eagles_Ball_69

All-American
Dec 19, 2003
3,740
5,050
82
Good post OP, it’s OK to be frustrated. He!! I think we were all frustrated this year. It’s OK to not be 100% sold in on Pope. I for one am not there yet and have made some of my frustrations clear. I am a Kentucky basketball fan and I want them to succeed. On that point, I need Mark Pope to succeed for that to happen. So I’m going to shut my mouth and give him my support. Some people don’t have that ability. If he doesn’t work out, we move on to the next Coach.
I can bit$& and moan about the crap job he’s doing and still root for the team to win. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
 
Jul 6, 2025
182
338
63
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Thanks for your permission to be a fan. Never knew there were limits to how I criticize an unprepared, overmatched coach before. Now I know.
 

BigBlue1992

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
1,960
3,596
81
“Was left a mess?”

We were a 3 seed Cal’s last year (if we would’ve won a game or two in the SEC tournament a 2 was very much in play) in the NCAA tournament. In many polls we were the odds on favorite to win the NCAA tournament considering how much talent was on the team. Which means “UK the brand” was still pulling in top notch high school recruits and transfers. There were several future pros on that team. The game against Oakland was THE most watched first round game in NCAA tournament history. EVERYTHING we did as a program was televised.

How much of this these attributes can we add to either of Pope’s teams? Cal’s stubbornness and lack of understanding of the modern game had absolutely no effect on Mark Pope. Every single coach that leaves a school nowadays is gonna leave the locker room empty due to the transfer portal with no penalties.

The program was left a mess when Gillespie left. We had Mark Coury (a freaking walk on) and Michael Porter starting. I’m just not sure how it can be considered a mess left to Pope when Cal’s last team is better than any Pope will ever assemble.

And I’ll add, Arkansas had a losing season Musselman’s last year. They’re now in back to back Sweet 16’s. Again, what’s Pope’s excuse?

Pope inquired about the job opening because “he knew the assignment.” You don’t voluntarily get to step up to the plate then make excuses when you strike out.
 
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UKBB4Ever

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2025
1,734
3,030
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Ignored facts are still facts.
 

preacherfan

All-Conference
Oct 11, 2003
28,965
4,526
113
I can bit$& and moan about the crap job he’s doing and still root for the team to win. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
Personally, I really don't blame people for complaining. However, the complaining has to invade every single thread. Someone always seems to find a way to bash Pope even if they have to make something up.

There is plenty to be unhappy about without making stuff up and also twisting the facts to fit a biased agenda. How about the thread bashing JQ's dad over a quote that didn't even come from JQ's dad? Not only was the quote misconstrued but posters didn't even care about getting any of the the facts straight.
 

preacherfan

All-Conference
Oct 11, 2003
28,965
4,526
113
Every single coach that leaves a school nowadays is gonna leave the locker room empty due to the transfer portal with no penalties.
Actually, that is a good observation. Unless you hire a coach from a major program who is able to bring some star players to the new program, any new coach is very likely to struggle early on. Correct?
 

BigBlue1992

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
1,960
3,596
81
Actually, that is a good observation. Unless you hire a coach from a major program who is able to bring some star players to the new program, any new coach is very likely to struggle early on. Correct?
Finish reading bud. Why didn’t you paste the part about Arkansas being back in the Sweet 16? Cal hasn’t had any issues. Why should Pope at a premier school?
 

preacherfan

All-Conference
Oct 11, 2003
28,965
4,526
113
Finish reading bud. Why didn’t you paste the part about Arkansas being back in the Sweet 16? Cal hasn’t had any issues. Why should Pope at a premier school?
Uhhh, I thought I was clear. Cal came from UK and was able to take UK players to Arkansas. Pope came from BYU. I think the inference is obvious, don't you?
 

BigBlue1992

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
1,960
3,596
81
Uhhh, I thought I was clear. Cal came from UK and was able to take UK players to Arkansas. Pope came from BYU. I think the inference is obvious, don't you?
BYU’s new coach (don’t even know what his name is nor do I care) is out recruiting Pope at UK. They had arguably the top freshman in the country. They’re better than us. Arkansas is better than us. Pope is burying this program more and more every single day. If you’re too blind to see it all I can do is say sorry.
 

Farsight Clone

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2025
2,416
4,558
103
Attacking Pope's character or going after his family is 1000% uncalled for or any player's family and those people should be banned.

Criticizing Pope's coaching ability, coaching decisions, player decisions in game, and lack of recruiting is not hatred nor personal attacks. These are warranted and allowed. If anyone considers this hate, has a serious comprehension issue.

So many confuse the two, but they are clearly different.

@Vek96 Man honestly, are you Bi Polar? Because in most game threads and other threads you did exactly what you're calling out people for doing. One day you don't want Pope here, next day you support him 100%. So which one is it?
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,748
10,879
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Matt Jones said that not only WILL Pope be back for a third year but also that he SHOULD get a third year. Does this mean he is an enemy of the program, a troll, or something? Coz that’s how we get treated on this board for saying the same thing.
 
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Dr.LutherSan

All-American
Sep 6, 2019
3,968
7,635
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Again, how relevant was NIL and the transfer portal when Golden and Hurley got to their current gigs?
 

Farsight Clone

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2025
2,416
4,558
103
Matt Jones said that not only WILL Pope be back for a third year but also that he SHOULD get a third year. Does this mean he is an enemy of the program, a troll, or something? Coz that’s how we get treated on this board for saying the same thing.
Matt Jones is in a different position than us. He has to maintain some level of positivity so his business doesn't lose out of information and stuff. Jones also said that if Pope's 3rd year is bad he will probably call for his firing.
 

Ash Williams

Heisman
Aug 3, 2022
8,050
26,070
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Why are you name calling?
 

JwUKFan11

Heisman
Nov 11, 2011
7,301
14,748
113
Was left a mess? He had one of the highest budgets in the sport to sign players and that was before the JMI deal went into place so he can’t even hide behind that. Last year he did the bare minimum and this year he completely failed. Year 3 will decide it all.
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,748
10,879
113
Matt Jones is in a different position than us. He has to maintain some level of positivity so his business doesn't lose out of information and stuff. Jones also said that if Pope's 3rd year is bad he will probably call for his firing.
So I hold the same position independently and get treated like garbage lol? Makes sense.

Matt - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - Ok, makes sense.

Me - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - You’re a complete moron.

^ All I’ve asked is to just let people with my opinion coexist, thats all.
 

Ash Williams

Heisman
Aug 3, 2022
8,050
26,070
113
So I hold the same position independently and get treated like garbage lol? Makes sense.

Matt - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - Ok, makes sense.

Me - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - You’re a complete moron.

^ All I’ve asked is to just let people with my opinion coexist, thats all.
Straw man. Not everyone is agreeing with Matt.
 

RunninRichie

Heisman
Sep 5, 2019
28,519
68,015
113
…unwarranted. This board has become a cesspool. Day after day of nonstop Pope bashing.

Pope’s first season, by all accounts, was successful. He was left a mess by the lazy *** Calipari, who lost 46 games , and had 1 tournament win his last 4 seasons here, despite loaded rosters with numerous 5 stars.

This year, despite losing his point guard, and having his starting center quit, he still managed a win in the tournament, something Calipari accomplished 1 time his last 4 season here.

Pope‘s first two seasons here were much better than Hurley’s and Golden’s at UConn and Florida,, respectively. Our fans seem to ignore these facts.

Pope may or may not work out, but it’s too early to tell.

I, for one, will be backing him 100%, and look forward to seeing him put together next seasons roster.

The rest of you can keep complaining and calling him names. Keep being miserable and acting like petulant children.
Hurley didn’t have the portal. Golden was also completely unknown. He had Florida winning more games in year 2 than year 1. He didn’t regress in year 2.
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,748
10,879
113
Straw man. Not everyone is agreeing with Matt.
Most of them aren’t saying he’s an enemy of the program and all this stuff. It’s definitely very different. I try to be as kind as can be and agreeable as I can be and get @‘d and called out constantly just because I think Pope deserves a third year. Just gets old, man. OP used stronger language than I would but he’s on edge for a reason. Y’all have bullied everyone mercilessly who doesn’t agree. I don’t know what happened to:

I have this opinion.
You have that opinion.
We can coexist and agree to disagree.

Instead, it’s nasty all the time. I’ve called for about eight million olive branches but it doesn’t matter. Just is what it is I guess.
 

Farsight Clone

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2025
2,416
4,558
103
So I hold the same position independently and get treated like garbage lol? Makes sense.

Matt - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - Ok, makes sense.

Me - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - You’re a complete moron.

^ All I’ve asked is to just let people with my opinion coexist, thats all.
The problem is most people present their opinion as fact and I think that is why people get called out for.

I see the double standard your pointing out. However, for me personally, I understand why Matt does it, but do I agree with his opinion? No.

The problem is most can't see or refuse to see both sides of the coin and present things in absolutes. When there is much more nuance.

You're allowed to agree or disagree with me and vice versa. I don't like it when posters attack others calling them not a true fan when they have opposing opinions.
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,748
10,879
113
The problem is most people present their opinion as fact and I think that is why people get called out for.

I see the double standard your pointing out. However, for me personally, I understand why Matt does it, but do I agree with his opinion? No.

The problem is most can't see or refuse to see both sides of the coin and present things in absolutes. When there is much more nuance.
I absolutely do not present my opinion is fact. I make it clear that I do not push my belief about Pope on others and still get attacked mercilessly for it. Should not be that way. People can support a third year RATIONALLY and still put the program first. This whole thing should never have been allowed and the divisive people who pushed it hardest —- there are three I have in mind have violated every reasonable rule of conduct and decorum on here repeatedly in pushing it. And I’ve whined and complained and begged someone to allow some cooler heads to prevail but it doesn’t matter. Rules for thee, not for me — as long as the opinion being held is the popular one and it sucks.
 
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JwUKFan11

Heisman
Nov 11, 2011
7,301
14,748
113
So I hold the same position independently and get treated like garbage lol? Makes sense.

Matt - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - Ok, makes sense.

Me - “Year 1 was good. Year 2 was bad. A year 3 makes sense. He will need to perform or should be fired.”

Everyone - You’re a complete moron.

^ All I’ve asked is to just let people with my opinion coexist, thats all.
95% of the board is frustrated. Ok you’re a victim, stop crying so hard.
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,748
10,879
113
95% of the board is frustrated. Ok you’re a victim, stop crying so hard.
You’re one of the worst ones on here for doing that stuff. Literally do it all the time. Stuff should be cleaned up. This site is supposed to be for discussion and some of you are here to push an agenda instead of allowing discussion. You were not one of the big 3 I was thinking of but you’re definitely in that next category of non-stop harassing whoever you disagree with. In your case, most of the time you don’t even know the positions of the people you’re doing that to.
 

Farsight Clone

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2025
2,416
4,558
103
I absolutely do not present my opinion is fact. I make it clear that I do not push my belief about Pope on others and still get attacked mercilessly for it. Should not be that way. People can support a third year RATIONALLY and still put the program first. This whole thing should never have been allowed and the divisive people who pushed it hardest —- there are three I have in mind have violated every reasonable rule of conduct and decorum on here repeatedly in pushing it. And I’ve whined and complained and begged someone to allow some cooler heads to prevail but it doesn’t matter. Rules for thee, not for me — as long as the opinion being held is the popular one and it sucks.
I never said you specifically, I was speaking in generalities.